Animal Mask Dance of odisha

Animal Mask Dance The Living Folk Tradition 

Mask dance originated out of the primitive man's fear of the dynamisk of nature and propelled him to create mask as a linkage between his and the world of nature. As a tool in both popular of sophisticated theatrical froms,the mask help in portraying various socio-culture themes through direct or in direct or even satiric depiction of  various social concepts. 

In the southern districts of odisha, Ganjam, we see a strong and healthy continuity of this tradition, where a dance form evolved using animal mask,local folk rhythm and instruments serving religious and cultural purpose.Tribal people of the area revered " MAA BYGHRADEVI" and " MAA THAKURANI" and danced during procession of the Goddess wearing mask to the rhythmical beating of Dhol, Changu and Jhanj.

This art form which originated under the influence of the above Goddess, later came to be patronized by the kings and was performed before him during puja's and festivals and during religious festivals, when the idols are take out on the street, the animals mask dancers dance in front of the procession. In later period during wedding ceremony too.

They lead the bridegroom procession all the way to the brides house.

The most popular mask and costume used is that of tiger, bull and horse. Two person get into a cane frame masked by head and body and conceal themselves within it,their legs become the legs of animals they are representing and through various gesticulations of body , hand and head, give expression and movement to the animal. Mask of lion,Elephant, Deer,Goat,peacock, and Duck has been added to the fold to broad base animal characters so that stage presentation can be composed depicting diversity of social theme like forest conservation programmes etc....

With growing awareness,exposure and promotions of performing folk dance by,the art forms which was till late confined to the streetsof southern odisha and particularly Ganjam has crossed the rural southern boundaries and has attracted the attention of urban audience, across the nation and out side in countries.  

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